170 electric aircraft now in development

According to Roland Berger, 170 electric aircraft are now in development and the sector is growing fast.

According to Roland Berger, 170 electric aircraft are now in development and the sector is growing fast. The consultancy says its developments database grew by over 50% since April 2018.

At current growth rates, the company estimates there could be more than 200 electric aircraft in devlopment by the end of 2019.

Analysts at Roland Berger note that urban air taxis continue to dominate the electric aviation sector, accounting for around 50% of all developments. The report also finds that there are now 100 projects being conducted around the world by cities, universities and potential operators to test and develop the urban air mobility ecosystem.

General aviation

General aviation is close behind urban air mobility, with around 70 developments ongoing. Roland Berger notes that the Boeing-backed GoFly Challenge has continued to drive developments in personal flying.

The analysis also finds that a wider landscape of electrical propulsion is emerging, with airline operators and other stakeholders joining the fray.

The race for electric aviation

Interestingly, Roland Berger believes that next year’s Air Race E competition could drive development and adoption of more technologically advanced engines that can be applied to urban air transport and commercial aircraft.

“After all, if the promise of greener, cheaper and safer flight wasn't enough to spur on development, turning electric propulsion into a competitive sport may well do the trick,” the analysts say.